We interviewed Industrial Designer, Jonah Takagi for the launch of his ALLIRA ORGANIZERS for Umbra.
Jonah Takagi received a BFA in Furniture Design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2002. After several years of life on the road as a touring musician, Jonah founded his studio in 2010. He has exhibited work throughout Europe and America and counts among his clients such brands as Kvadrat (DK), Roll and Hill (US), Le Klint (DK), Design Within Reach (US), Umbra Shift (CA), Matter (US), La Chance (FR) and Hem (SE).
What was the inspiration behind your design? (ie. time, place, material, other item etc.) What problem (if any) were you trying to solve?
The design of the Double Vessel was arrived upon after thoughtful reflection on the the hierarchy and the favoritism we apply to everyday objects. This thinking manifested itself through the Allira Organizers in so far as the vessels provide discreet storage in the base, while featuring a top, open area to display your favorite items.
Were there any challenges along the way? (ie. material, manufacturing, costing, etc.)
The most challenging part was settling on the overall scale and proportions of each vessel.
What is your favorite part about the product?
My favorite part of the product is the dimpled pattern on the outside of the glass base that functions as a sort of refraction grating - insinuating that there are items contained while never full revealing the contents.
What makes this product different/unique/better compared to everything else on the market?
I feel that presence of both partially obscured storage with readily accessible display space is unique within the typology of table/desk top storage.
Learn more about Allira Organizers here.
ALLIRA from umbraltd on Vimeo.